Author: Bruce Jones

Huzzah! Landmarks Preservation Committee

by Michael Herschensohn

The hard work of our society’s Landmarks Preservation Committee is exceptional among the historical organizations of Seattle. Only Historic Seattle with two paid preservation advocates comes even close to defending the historic fabric of our city the way your committee does. Not only does it prepare landmark nominations such as the one completed last year for the Power Control Center at 157 Roy Street, it attends every meeting of the city’s Landmarks Preservation Board where a Queen Anne landmark is considered and actively takes appropriate positions on the nomination, designation or alteration of our historic structures (such as the Bleitz Funeral Home above)…

Where Are They Now?

When you live here in Queen Anne, you realize a lot of change is occurring, but most of the time you just don’t realize how much. About 10 years ago, I took a number of photos on Queen Anne Avenue, and I recently looked at them and was quite surprised at all the changes. So here’s a quick look back at Queen Anne Ave. Do you remember where they were located? (Queen Anne Avenue is NOT an acceptable answer!) Answers in the next Cobblestone.

Update: 2/16/17

Speaking of the cause, it’s time to show your love with our 3rd Annual “HeartBomb!”

Show Your Love “HeartBomb”

1 PM, Tuesday, February 14,2017

KeyArena | Coliseum

BYOV (Bring your own Valentine)

Join us on Valentine’s Day to celebrate a unique, local Modernist masterpiece – KeyArena in the heart of Seattle Center!

Historic Seattle, Queen Anne Historical Society, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, Docomomo WEWA, and friends will be showing our love for KeyArena (aka Washington State Coliseum) at 1 pm on Tuesday, February 14. We’ll gather for a group photo at 1:15 pm to show off our homemade valentines to this cool historic building. (The group photo will happen rain or shine!)

HeartBombs are a fun and creative way to bring people together and raise awareness about what’s cherished in a community — a sort of city-wide love letter about places that matter.

Why are we bringing the love?

The City of Seattle issued a Request for Proposals for the rehab and re-use of KeyArena, a world-class sports and entertainment venue. But there’s also a tear-down option. The landmark-eligible historic structure from the Seattle World’s Fair should be preserved. Read Knute Berger’s article for more of the backstory.

Participating in a HeartBomb event is one way to advocate for the building’s preservation and potential re-use. As Berger says, “it could be a win for history, sports fans and taxpayers.” Who doesn’t like a win-win?

Here’s how it works

Get creative by crafting your homemade valentine to the building. Add your message about why this place matters.

Bring your heart creation and join others for a group photo at KeyArena declaring your love. We’ll meet on the west side of the arena off 1st Avenue N and Harrison Street near the giant, concrete abutment (or “leg”).

Can’t join us for the group photo? Don’t worry. Take pictures of you and your handmade creation in front of KeyArena, and share them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with the hashtag #heartbombSEA, #heartbombKeyArena, and #IHeartSavingPlaces. Feel free to add why you “heart” this place and why others should fall in love with it, too!